In a move that could redefine the future of space exploration, NASA has set an ambitious target to send astronauts on a scientific mission to Mars by 2035. The journey will cover a staggering distance of approximately 402 million kilometers, with a round trip expected to take between six to seven months. Once on the Martian surface, astronauts could spend up to 500 days conducting groundbreaking research.

The Geological Mysteries of Mars

Mars is an intriguing subject for scientific investigation due to its unique geological and atmospheric characteristics. Formed around 4.6 billion years ago, the planet once boasted a dense atmosphere and copious amounts of liquid water—conditions that bore similarities to early Earth. However, around 3.8 billion years ago when life began to evolve on Earth, Mars underwent significant changes, ultimately transforming into the arid world we see today.

Although robotic missions have provided valuable insights, revealing features such as ancient lakes and riverbeds, many questions remain unanswered. The northern hemisphere of Mars contains vast lowlands, while the southern hemisphere is dominated by ancient craters, each telling a different story about the planet’s past.

Moreover, Mars is home to the largest volcanoes in our solar system, as well as numerous impact craters from asteroids. A human presence on Mars could provide critical information about these features, further enlightening us about the planet’s early conditions and its potential for sustaining life.

The Motivation Behind Exploring Mars

To guide their exploration, NASA’s Human Exploration of Mars Science Analysis Group, which includes leading atmospheric scientists and NASA researchers, has identified key scientific questions that future missions must address. A primary focus is whether life exists on Mars today. Since early Earth and Mars shared similar conditions billions of years ago, this inquiry is crucial for understanding planetary evolution.

Another significant question investigates the drastic changes that led to Mars's loss of liquid water and diminished atmosphere. By analyzing these transformations, scientists aim to unlock deeper insights into not only Mars but the broader processes affecting planetary development in our solar system.

Artemis: The Gateway to Mars

To prepare for the Mars mission, NASA is initially prioritizing crewed missions to the Moon under its Artemis program. These lunar missions will serve as a vital training ground for what lies ahead on Mars, allowing astronauts the opportunity to live and work for extended periods on the Moon, thereby acquiring essential skills and technologies.

NASA has made remarkable progress with the Artemis program, demonstrated by the successful Artemis I mission in November 2022, which utilized the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion spacecraft. This uncrewed mission orbited the Moon before safely returning to Earth. The much-anticipated crewed mission, Artemis III, is set to launch in 2026, with astronauts aiming for the Moon’s south pole.

During their lunar explorations, Artemis astronauts will not only establish habitats but will also mine and purify water from sub-surface ice deposits—a vital skill that will be directly applicable to the challenges of Martian survival.

While a human mission to Mars remains a decade away, NASA’s continued advancements with the Artemis program are laying the groundwork for humanity's first steps on the Red Planet. As the countdown to Mars begins, the world watches in anticipation of what discoveries and breakthroughs await us in the cosmos.